Lifespan

Character Disorders Self-Screeners

Ever wonder if you, a family member, friend, or co-worker has a personality disorder? Here are 12 screeners that may lend some insight into what you are experiencing.

Note: In addition to screening yourself for a particular character/personality disorder, you can also attempt to determine if a family member, friend, or co-worker has a particular character/personality disorder. Simply answer the questions as best you can based on your understanding of the person's thoughts, actions and behaviors. While putting yourself in the shoes of another is not 100% foolproof, you can generally get a pretty good idea as to how the person might score on any of these screeners were they to complete them on their own.

About personality disorders

What are personality / character disorders?

Personality disorders are deeply ingrained patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that deviate markedly from the expectations of a person's culture. These patterns are inflexible, pervasive across many situations, and typically lead to distress or impairment in relationships, work, or daily life.

The complexity of living with — or alongside — these patterns

People with personality disorders often don't recognize their own patterns as problematic. For family members, friends, and co-workers, this can create confusion, frustration, and emotional exhaustion. Relationships may feel one-sided, unpredictable, or chronically tense.

Why change is so hard

Because these patterns form part of a person's fundamental identity, they are notoriously difficult to shift. The individual may see the world as the problem, not themselves. Meaningful change usually requires long-term, specialized therapy (such as schema therapy or dialectical behavior therapy) and genuine motivation — something that can't be forced.

These screeners are educational tools. They are not diagnoses. If you are concerned, consider speaking with a qualified mental-health professional.